Families facing debt problems are being pushed to breaking point and beyond, according to a new report.

A study carried out by the debt counselling group Christians Against Poverty (Cap) found that more than two-thirds of people who contact the organisation have missed meals in order to meet their repayment demands.

In fact, close to a quarter confessed that they regularly go hungry in an effort to save money and clear outstanding arrears, the Cap reports.

Furthermore, half of those polled said their debt problems had caused stress and arguments with loved ones and in a quarter of cases these issues were blamed for relationship breakdowns.

"Our latest findings are truly shocking, highlighting the trauma that many families in debt face on a day-to-day basis," said Matt Barlow, head of the Cap in the UK.

Research by Prudential recently suggested that money and debt management problems have forced thousands of British families to house three generations under the same roof.